Trumpeter swan found with buckshot wounds

EVERETT — A female trumpeter swan was expected to survive after being found with buckshot wounds outside the Silver Lake-area Fred Meyer store Thursday morning.

People called the Sarvey Wildlife Care Center in Arlington about 9:30 a.m. Thursday to report finding the bird bloody and in obvious distress, Executive Director Suzanne West said Friday.

The bird underwent X-rays that showed buckshot in its chest muscles, she said. It was expected to need extensive medical care and possibly surgery.

Medical staff estimates the bird is at least 14 years old. It has a tracking band around its neck believed to be related to a scientific study out of Whatcom County. It wasn’t clear when the bird was wounded.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the state Department of Fish and Wildlife at 425-775-1311.